Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Urban Gardening 101

(Family Features) Urban living and lush gardens aren’t as mutually exclusive as one might assume. In fact, it’s possible to cultivate thriving gardens in even the smallest spaces.

The first step toward creating a successful small garden space is planning. Sketching out your garden area with a clear understanding of the actual dimensions is important. This allows you to allocate adequate growing space for the vegetation you choose and prevent overcrowding.

Part of your planning should also take climate into account. If the sun reaches your garden area, knowing what time the sun typically hits matters. Some plants are poorly equipped to handle the strength of direct afternoon rays.

Other matters to consider are the soil quality and whether it is adequate to nourish vegetation. If not, you may need to excavate and refill your planting areas with nutrient-rich gardening soil. Access to water is also a concern; if you’ll be forced to water by can, avoid choosing plants that would better benefit from a thorough hose soaking.

As you begin planning the actual contents of your garden, don’t hesitate to blend edibles with beauty. Many herbs offer attractive textures and colors that can add variety to a colorful selection of flowering plants. Edible plants such as strawberries offer color from blooms (and later brightly hued fruit), as well as trailing greenery that looks pretty along the edges of potted containers.

If your goal is color, give consideration to the blooming season for your selected plants. Unless you plan to enjoy your garden for just a short season, choose a variety of plants and flowers that bloom throughout your region’s entire growing season.

Especially in the smallest garden spaces, it’s smart to make the most of vertical space. Use a trellis or other structure to encourage vining vegetation to grow upward rather than outward. Hanging baskets or buckets are ideal for inverted growth of plants such as tomatoes or peppers, and shelving or tiered plant stands are handy for creating more plant real estate in smaller garden spaces.

Beautiful gardens need not be limited to those with expansive lawns in rural communities. Though smaller in scale, urban gardens can deliver equal beauty and a surprising volume of edible bounty with proper preparation and design. Find more tips at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
Family Features

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Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff

The “News For Naturists” section of STM Daily News offers a welcoming and respectful space for those who embrace naturism, body-positivity and clothing-optional recreation. This curated hub features articles on the history of social nudity, naturist travel and resort experiences, and the broader wellness and community benefits of living naturally and comfortably in our own skin. For readers interested in deeper engagement, you’ll find useful links to major organizations and venues such as the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) (advocating nudist rights and affiliated clubs)  , The Naturist Society (TNS) (promoting body acceptance and naturist education)  , and respected resorts like Laguna del Sol in California  and Mira Vista Resort in Arizona  , where the naturist lifestyle is embraced in a family-friendly, non-sexualized environment. Whether you’re new to the naturist community or a longtime member, our page connects you to news, resources and destinations that embody the freedom, respect and ease of clothes-free recreation.

List of 10 reputable organizations, clubs and resorts that support naturism or clothing-optional recreation 

1. American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) – https://www.aanr.com/

Founded in 1931, AANR is one of the largest and longest-established naturist organizations in North America, representing hundreds of affiliated clubs, resorts and businesses.  

**2. The Naturist Society (TNS) – https://www.naturist.com/

An American naturist membership organization that promotes body-acceptance and nude recreation as a positive lifestyle choice.  

**3. Naturist Action Committee, Inc. (NAC) – https://naturistaction.org/

A non-profit that focuses on political advocacy and the receptive use of public lands for nude recreation.  

**4. International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) – https://inf-fni.org/

The global federation of naturist organizations; a good resource for international clubs, events and federations.  

**5. Laguna del Sol Resort – https://www.lagunadelsol.com/

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A premier clothing-optional resort in California (250 acres near Sacramento), welcoming singles, couples and families.  

**6. Cypress Cove Nudist Resort – https://www.cypresscoveresort.com/

Family-friendly resort in Florida, offering accommodations, RV/camp options, and a large lake setting.  

**7. Glen Eden Sun Club – https://www.gleneden.com/

Southern California resort & RV park (154 acres) offering a naturist environment midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.  

**8. Rock Lodge Club – https://www.rocklodge.com/

One of the oldest family-friendly nudist clubs in the U.S., located in the New Jersey Highlands.  

**9. Star Ranch Nudist Club – https://starranch.net/

A friendly Texas-based family nudist club offering outdoor pool, cabins, camping and social activities.  

**10. Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat – https://www.cedartrailsnudistretreat.com/

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A 60-acre naturist retreat in southeast Ohio with hiking trails, heated swimming pool, cabins, camping and more.  

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Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Phoenix skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as not one, but two comets — C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) — make their way across the evening sky. Both are now bright enough to be seen through a good pair of binoculars, and one may even flirt with naked-eye visibility under dark conditions.

If you’ve ever wanted to catch a comet without fancy equipment, tonight’s your chance.

🌌 What You’ll See

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been gaining brightness through October and now glows with a faint greenish hue, a sign of vaporized gases and carbon compounds in its tail. Under Phoenix’s clear skies, you may spot it as a fuzzy, glowing patch — brighter than most surrounding stars when viewed through binoculars.

The second visitor, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), is also within binocular range, adding to this rare double-comet spectacle. Though smaller and dimmer than Lemmon, it’s still worth the hunt.

🕗 When and Where to Look

• Best viewing time: About 30–60 minutes after sunset (roughly between 7:00 and 7:30 PM in Phoenix).
• Comet Lemmon: Look toward the northwest to west horizon, about midway between the bright star Arcturus and the handle of the Big Dipper.
• Comet SWAN: Scan the southwest sky, just above where the Sun has recently set.

Both comets will be low on the horizon, so find an open spot with no buildings or trees blocking your view.

🔭 Tips for Best Viewing

• Use binoculars (7×50 or 10×50 are ideal).
• Step away from bright city lights — South Mountain, Papago Park, or the outskirts of Phoenix offer better visibility.
• Allow your eyes 10–15 minutes to adjust to darkness.
• Bring a stargazing app (like Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2) and search the comet names to track them in real-time.
• If you have a tripod, use it — even slight hand movements can blur the view.

🌙 What to Expect

Comets aren’t as bright or defined as the ones we see in movies. Through binoculars, expect a small, glowing orb with a hint of a tail — especially for Lemmon. As the comet continues to approach the Sun in late October, it may brighten even further.

For many observers, simply knowing you’re seeing an object that’s traveled millions of miles through space makes the experience unforgettable.

⚠️ A Few Things to Note

• Visibility can change night to night depending on brightness, weather, and moonlight.
• If clouds or haze roll in, try again over the next few evenings — both comets will remain visible for several more nights.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot it immediately — comet hunting takes patience, but the reward is worth it.

📸 Share the Moment

If you manage to snap a photo of Comet Lemmon or SWAN from Phoenix, tag @stmdailynews on social media and use #STMSkyWatch — we might feature your photo in an upcoming article.

For more astronomy updates, local skywatching events, and science news, visit STM DailyNews Astronomy.

About the Comets

• How to See Rare Comet Lemmon During Its Once-in-a-Lifetime Visit – People
• Comet Lemmon: How and When to Watch – Wired
• Two Bright, Once-in-a-Lifetime Comets Visible This Month – Washington Post
• Comet Lemmon Shines in October Skies – Astronomy.com
• How to See Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) in October – Space.com
• Comet SWAN 2025: What to Expect – EarthSky.org

Skywatching Tools

• Sky Tonight – Stargazing App (App Store)
• Star Walk 2 – Interactive Astronomy Guide
• Heavens-Above: Current Comet Positions

For Phoenix Skywatchers

• Phoenix Clear Sky Chart – Weather for Astronomers
• Phoenix Light Pollution Map – Dark Site Finder
• Arizona Science Center – Astronomy Events